Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the rotational speed of an electronically controlled power tool in both the forward and reverse direction. When the reversing switch is placed in the reverse direction, the electronic speed control circuit automatically limits the speed of the motor to a predetermined maximum value. The speed control circuit also is adapted to sense a change in the state of the reversing switch and remove power to the motor until it coasts down to a relatively slow speed or to zero before reapplying power in the opposite direction. The speed control circuit monitors the rotational speed of the motor by means of a tachogenerator comprising a ring magnet mounted on the rearward end of the rotor shaft of the motor outboard of the commutator-end bearings and a Hall effect device mounted to the peripheral flange of a carrier which encircles the ring magnet so that the ring magnet and Hall effect device are separated by a small radially extending gap.